If you were a guest....

My gut says do the church you love. I don't perceive 50 minutes as a particularly long time, but if it is a rough commute (i.e. rough road, uncomfortable seating) then it can get over-bearing. If you are impartial, then chose the closer church for time and comfort purposes. Or as previously suggested, provide water, snacks, and/or a comfortable drive for the further church.

i voted closer church, can't stand sitting on a bus. i have the worlds smallest bladder and the thought of being stuck on a bus, with no washroom for 50 mins...possibly more in traffic etc...would stress me out!

Thanks for your input everyone! I really really really love the church that is farther away - it has the atmosphere I want and the people are really nice. Someone on the forum (I think it was Jess on another thread) suggested that I just say it is 45 min trip so I figure I will do that. Also its a catholic mass ceremony so it will be longer so hopefully the guests wont feel like they are just driving all day. Oh and i love the idea of having some food/drinks on the bus I was thinking of getting some water and beer bottles for the ride home (I don't want any one sloshed at the ceremony!)

I say go for the 50 min church IF the guests all know each and are reasonably comfortable with each other. As a guest myself and one that does like being in groups and crowds of people I hate a 50 minute bus ride each way unless there people there I was really comfortable with. Also, I agree with Morgan and if it's more a party bus vibe your guests might enjoy that but if it's just going to be quiet then the 20 min ride would be preferable.

I voted for the 50-minute ride. If you're going to look back on your pictures with disappointment and think "Damn, I wish we went to MY church", then the 20-minute church isn't really worth it. Besides, if anyone REALLY doesn't want to travel that far on the bus, then don't go lol Stay at the resort and wait for everyone to get back. That's how I'd look at it

Pretty much as everyone else has said, go with what YOU want! Of course, if guests had to choose they would probably want a shorter ride, but it's YOUR wedding and you have your reasons for wanting the church that is farther away, AND if it's that big a deal, as FutureMrsLewis said, they don't have to go! But I can't imagine anyone would do that.